Potential Bioleaching Effects in In Situ Recovery Applications

The potential role of microorganisms in the in-situ recovery (ISR) of technology metals, in particular from reduced ores, is not well understood, but attracts increasing interest worldwide. Based on the feasibility criteria for ISR applications in general, effects of biota on kinetic rates of leaching are systematized. The indirect catalysis of leaching by microbial (re-)oxidation of Fe2+ to Fe3+ as directly acting e- acceptor is a well verified mechanism, however, for practical applications this requires the availability of an oxidant in the leachant. The ex-situ bio-oxidation of Fe in an aerated bioreactor is considered as an alternative. Reactive transport simulations of ISR from sulfidic Cu ores based on kinetic rates as function of pH and oxidation potential (concentration of e- acceptors) in comparison with thermodynamically driven metal dissolution (constrained by oxidation potential) demonstrate the key parameters for (bio-)leaching productivity.